A simple cute Mother’s Day idea is making necklaces with white clay that can air dry. This activity is so easy that even our toddlers can participate! They love rolling the clay out and pressing beads into them. Once the clay is dry, they can work on their fine motor skills by threading yarn through them. The gift wrapping is also made by the children with a watercolor feature. Mothers (and grandmothers!) would love receiving something that was lovingly made by the special children in their lives!
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What you will need to make these necklaces:
- Air-Dry White Clay
- Assorted Beads
- Tipped Yarn Laces
- Circle Cookie Cutter
- Spray Varnish
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After reading some books about mothers, we set up our art table with the clay and beads. Note for teachers: I’ve found it very helpful to have the children’s names written on tape ahead of time. When the clay pieces are placed on the tray to dry, we press the labeled pieces of tape beside them.
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The Process:
Place a small amount of clay on a flat surface and invite the children to roll it flat.
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We took a small circle cookie cutter and pressed it into the clay.
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Beads were then pressed into the clay.
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Make sure to create a hole somewhere for the yarn to thread through! (We use a pencil tip.)
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Allow them to air dry. Then spray with varnish to give them shine.
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Once dry, the yarn can be laced through the hole.
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We had them paint gift boxes with watercolors to place the necklaces in. (We used these boxes.)
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We secured the box with ribbon and a little heart tag.
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The week before Mother’s Day, we invite our mommies to join us for some songs the last 15 minutes of our morning. We call this “Muffins for Mama”. During this time we give them muffins that their children made, and they open their gifts. I just love seeing the children’s faces as their mommies open the boxes!
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More Mother’s Day ideas:
- Mother’s Day (Pre-K Pages)
- Mother’s Day Activities for Preschoolers (Teach Preschool)
- 8 Simple Mother’s Day Crafts (Kids Activities Blog)
- Paper Mache’ Bowls for Mother’s Day (Happy Hooligans)
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Kate Lloyd
How wonderful. I would be so proud to wear one of those made by my little girl. Happy Mother’s Day.
Sheryl Cooper
Thank you, Kate!
Emma @ P is for Preschooler
Proud kids and happy mamas – you can’t get better than that!